Same-sex court cases

The issue of same-sex marriage appears to have hit its boiling point with the U.S. Supreme Court spending the past two days hearing arguments over California's controversial Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

The court is expected to decide by late June in both cases. Proposition 8 bans same-sex marriage in California, while the marriage act denies financial and other benefits to same-sex couples even if they are married legally under their states' laws.

Opponents of same-sex marriage make a number of arguments, including religious, procreation and other moral grounds. Proponents counter with statements about adults committed to each other and how marriage between gay couples does nothing to lessen the marriages of heterosexual couples.

This issue has been building for many years, but has certainly come to the forefront in the past decade. It's extremely divisive at times.

Yet, some Supreme Court members appear to be waffling on the thought of making a definitive ruling on same-sex marriage. Justice Samuel Alito stated this issue is newer than "cell phones and the Internet," apparently hinting that he would prefer a ruling specific to California or to a minute point of law.

We hope that isn't the case.

Whether the court decides to issue a ruling that, in effect, says same-sex marriage is legal or that it is not, the American people deserve to hear their highest court's decision.

Regardless of what rulings are issued in these cases, some people are going to be elated, and others will be extremely disappointed. A ruling in support of same-sex marriage will elicit some cries of the decay of America's moral fiber. A ruling against same-sex marriage will elicit some cries of the denial of equal rights.

The American people deserve a ruling that allows this issue to be put behind us. Of course, there may be other challenges later, regardless of the ruling. But precedent carries significant weight in the U.S. courts. A definitive ruling - in this case, two rulings - could go a long way in determining the legalities of same-sex marriage across the country.

The justices shouldn't shy away from that responsibility.

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Same-sex court cases

The issue of same-sex marriage appears to have hit its boiling point with the U.S. Supreme Court spending the past two days hearing arguments over California's controversial Proposition 8 and the